The Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a unique and intriguing mammal native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. It is closely related to the giraffe, and is the only living relative of this towering creature. The okapi is known for its distinctive appearance, with a body shape resembling that of a horse, zebra-like striped hindquarters, and a long, dark-colored neck.
The Okapi has a robust build, with a height of around 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) at the shoulder and weighing between 440 to 770 pounds (200 to 350 kilograms). Its coat is velvety and ranges in color from a deep reddish-brown to dark chocolate brown. The lower legs of the okapi have striking white horizontal stripes, which provide camouflage in its natural forest habitat.
Similar to giraffes, the Okapi has a long, flexible neck that allows it to browse leaves and buds from high branches. Its head is relatively small, with large, round ears and a long, prehensile tongue used for grasping vegetation. Males possess short, stubby horns, called ossicones, covered in skin and hair.
Okapis are primarily found in the dense, tropical rainforests of the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They are solitary and mainly active during the day. Due to their elusive nature, they can be challenging to observe in the wild. Okapis are herbivorous and feed on leaves, fruits, buds, and other plant materials.
Female Okapis give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of approximately 14 to 16 months, one of the longest gestation periods of any mammal. The newborn calf is relatively large, weighing around 33 to 66 pounds (15 to 30 kilograms). It remains hidden for the first few weeks of its life and is solely reliant on its mother’s milk until it starts to eat solid food.
The Okapi is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its population is declining due to various factors, including habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Efforts are being made by conservation organizations and local communities to protect the species and its habitat.
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo was established in 1992 to provide protection for the Okapi and other species. It covers approximately 13,700 square kilometers and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.